Director Federal Public Affairs

Brown-Forman Corporation•Washington DC, DC

About The Position

The Director of Federal Public Affairs is part of Brown-Forman’s Legal and Public Affairs team and serves as a key advocate for the company’s federal legislative, regulatory, and political priorities. The role represents Brown-Forman in Washington, D.C., engaging with U.S. federal officials, especially Congress and the Executive Branch, to advance the company’s public policy priorities and strengthen its reputation and standing as a leader in American Whiskey. The position reports to the Vice President of Public Affairs for the Americas region and works with legal and government affairs, commercial, marketing, community engagement, supply chain, and senior corporate leadership. The successful candidate will have established relationships with members of Congress and their staff, legislative committees, and relevant Executive Branch agencies.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in government affairs or working for a legislative or regulatory branch of the U.S. Government.
Demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate relationships with government officials, associations, policy and opinion leaders, and NGOs.
Proven ability to plan strategically, execute, and follow up effectively.
Understanding of the legislative process, tax policy, and trade policy.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Ability to attend events and meetings outside traditional work hours.
Ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

JD, LL.M, or MBA.
Beverage industry experience.
Corporate PAC management or fundraising experience.
Lobbying experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the company’s legislative agenda, relationship-development efforts, public policy engagement, and business advancement initiatives with federal policymakers, in collaboration with the Vice President of Public Affairs.
Identify, understand, and manage federal legislative, Executive Branch, and regulatory proposals and policies affecting the company’s strategic imperatives.
Represent Brown-Forman’s brands and business before Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Embassy Community; attend conferences, trade association meetings, policy forums, and political fundraisers.
Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with legislators, regulators, and their staff.
Provide senior leaders with timely, clear updates on legislative and regulatory matters, emerging federal issues, and opportunities for proactive engagement.
Prepare briefing, presentation, and advocacy materials that explain complex policy issues for varied audiences.
Collaborate across departments to develop the company’s perspectives on federal issues and advance legislative, public policy, grassroots, and Political Action Committee (PAC) goals.
Manage and coordinate advocacy activities involving contract lobbyists, trade associations, think tanks, and internal and external stakeholders.
Partner with counsel to oversee and ensure accurate, timely compliance with lobbying-related reporting requirements for Brown-Forman personnel interacting with federal officials.